Page 63 - The Miracle of Human Creation

mucous membrane of the egg secretes enzymes which gradually
cause this cellular envelope to loosen. Thus, the follicle cells are

"rinsed away", so that the protective membrane of the egg lies
exposed to the sperm.
The timing of these operations performed by the fallopian
tube is very important, because both the sperm and the egg cell

have a limited life-span. It is necessary that the sperm cells reach
the egg cell before this life-span expires. How does the fallopian
tube make the adjustments for this? How does it know how long

36 hours 2-cell stage

fallopian
tube 3 days 8-cell stage 4 days 64-cell stage

ovum

uterus

ovary

implantation in
uterus lining

5-6 days blastocyst forms